In a combat using an Extended Contests there are several ways this can be done; each based on the story setup. If a group of fighters faces a group of fighters (OK Corral) each PC might make a separate extended action as a part of the contest. Each action being described by the results.
It is possible for a group of characters to face a group of combatants and work as a group (D-Day) in which each is contesting with their success going to a central total, but the time involved being hours rather than seconds.
It is also possible for one character to face a group with the others supporting the fight by casting spells or giving other help. In this case they add Augments to the combatant.
In all of these cases (and this is not the limit, just those I am able to think of right now) the time of the contest is based on the story, the situation is based on the story and the actions of the characters IS the story. It isn't a traditional approach to the concepts of combat, but it's story based. It seems that this concept is the hardest part of HQ. But, it is a long way from difficult to get or use, just a different approach.
This is system about story, it is about what the characters want to do and how they go about doing it. It is not about guns, bullets, money, bolts or other "consumables". As someone said to me here (paraphrased): How many times have you seen a character in a book or movie talk about their gear in detail or spend time choosing which tool to use to do the job?
Read books, watch movies and tv shows and you will see that the story is the thing.
Bo
On 12/16/2011 7:15 AM, Howard wrote:
>
> Hi There - new to HQ (any version) new to the list.
>
> Was just skimming the list as I try to work out how things work.
>
> This example stuck out. surely, this is not how it's supposed to play?
> I mean, one player is interfering with the other's attempt to do
> something. Beyond that, surely the situation isn't "we throw a bunch
> of stuff until one of us takes out the guard" - it should be more
> one(1) character tries and takes out the guard. I don't get this
> cooperative action.
>
> I could see a character trying to shift the bar on a gate getting
> assistance from others to lift it (or cut through it.)
>
> I've been puzzling through how combats might be run - I should note
> that I don't have the rules yet, they are "enroute" - and I think I
> understand most of the concepts. It seems to me if combats are just
> one roll for the party and another for the foe (with everyone adding
> in abilities) then that is not going to be very satisfying.
>
> Please tell me that is not how it works!
>
> Howard
>
> --- In HeroQuest-rules_at_yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:HeroQuest-rules%40yahoogroups.com>, Ashley Munday
> <aescleal_at_...> wrote:
> >
> > Your example is missing out two fundamental questions:
> >
> > - What's the character trying to do?
> > - How is he or she trying to do it?
> >
> > First bit of advice, don't paint yourself into a narrative corner, try:
> >
> > Player 1: "How far away is the guard?"
> > GM: "Why, what are you thinking of doing?"
> >
> > Basically chuck it back at the player. Make the player tell you what
> they want to do and how. The how (i.e. what ability you use) is as
> important as the what as it gives you a nice narrative handle to set
> difficulties from:
> >
> > Player 1: "Er, I want to hit him with my bow and knock him out in
> one shot."
> > GM: "What ability do you want to use?"
> > Player 1: "Not sure what's relevant, 'warrior' I guess."
> > GM: "Okay, it looks like a hard shot, it's a bit towards the upper
> end of your comfortable range, and it's getting dark."
> >
> > And if another player sticks their oar in:
> >
> > Player 2: "Can I throw my knife at him?"
> > GM: "For what purpose?"
> > Player 2: "Help him (nods at player 1)"
> > GM: "Well as it's a hard shot for a trained bow user it's going to
> be nearly impossible for you to augment him."
> > Player 2: "How about my spear? I've got a 'Mile throw Javellin'
> feat, does that help?"
> > GM: "Cool, that's an easy augment."
> >
> >
>
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